Basics on Ceramic Tile Flooring:
Ceramic tiles are available in three general types: floor tiles, wall tiles and porcelain tiles. Floor tile is particularly made to resist the misuse most floors must undergo. Durable, strong and come in many different sizes, floor tile are typically costlier than wall tiles. Wall tile is being created to match up with the floor tile for a more stylish bathroom where the tiles go to the ceiling. Wall tiles are not suitable for floor applications. Porcelain tile is created to be very resistant to moisture. It is the strongest type of tile and is even suitable for outdoor applications in most areas of the country. Though less costly choices are obtainable for most installation types, porcelain tile lends an extent of beauty, performance and quality that are unbeatable.
The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) hardness ratings are:
- Group I (Light Traffic): Suitable for home bathroom floors on which stocking or bare feet are the custom;
- Group II (Average Traffic): Suitable for home interiors in which little abrasion takes place (not suitable for entryways or kitchens);
- Group III (Average-Heavy Traffic): Suitable for all home interiors;
- Group IV (Heavy Traffic): Suitable for residential areas or light and medium commercial spaces;
- Group V (Extra-heavy Traffic): Can be used anywhere.
Glazed Tiles: Color is included to ceramic tiles after the firing process. The glassy surface is bonded to tiles. Glazing allows a brighter color to be utilized and adds resistance to stains. Due to their slick, glasslike surface, glazed tiles are commonly used on countertops or walls. Glazed tiles offer more color options than unglazed tiles.
Ironically, the modern trend toward inherent looks in ceramic tiles have given rise to low levels of gloss and even some glazed tiles that look unglazed.
Unglazed tiles (also known as quarry tiles): The natural color or pigment is present during the firing process and is a component of the ceramic tile itself. If considering unglazed ceramic tile, ask regarding sealing for resistance against stains.
Choosing Ceramic Tile Flooring
When selecting a ceramic floor tile, it’s essential that you choose one that is rated for the space where you intend to install it. Ceramic tile is rated by a standardized test series that assess its relative hardness as well as its ability to withstand to wear and the water absorbed percentage. Refer to a flooring professional for guidance about choosing the accurate product for your specifications.
Size
Ceramic tile is available in different sizes range from the smaller and more conventional American 4 by 4 to the larger and more remarkable European appearance. You can certainly create lots of visual attention with the same collection of tile simply by altering the sizes utilized and the layout.
Patterns
Pattern is one of the ways that tile helps create a prevailing design statement. And as every floor is custom made for your area, specialty pieces, listellos, borders all fit in to make beauty and drama to ceramic tile.
Did you know…?
You can use floor patterns to make an optical illusion or direct your eyes to particular focus.
Strong directional patterns tend to make rooms seem longer, while crosswise patterns will make them appear narrower.
For an extremely dramatic appearance, you can alternate two contrasting colors of tile in a checkerboard pattern.
In rooms with ceramic tiles on both the floor and walls, putting down ceramic floor tile in a crosswise pattern can help unite two rooms or separate one large one into distinct spaces.